This article will show you how to add a new number to your Apple ID's trusted phone numbers list and remove the old number from your account using your iPhone or iPad. The trusted number is used in two-factor authentication. When a user signs in with their Apple ID, a verification code is sent to their trusted number via text message or phone call. To sign in with an Apple ID, the user needs to enter a verification code on the device.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Adding a number
Step 1. Open the Settings app
on an iPhone or iPad.
Find the icon with two silver gears on the desktop and tap it to open the Settings app.
Step 2. Tap your Apple ID at the top of Settings
Your Apple ID name and picture are listed at the top of the Settings menu. Tap your name to open the Apple ID menu.
Step 3. Tap Password & Security on the Apple ID menu to open your account security options on a new page
You may be prompted to enter and confirm your Apple ID password to access this menu
Step 4. Tap Change next to the Trusted Phone Number heading
This blue line on the right side of the screen allows you to add a new number and remove old numbers.
Step 5. Tap Add Verified Phone Number
A new page will open titled "Phone Number". Before you can delete the old number, you have to add a new one.
If you are using a passcode, you will need to enter it to continue
Step 6. Enter the phone number you want to add
Tap the Number field and enter the phone number you want to add.
Be sure to select the correct country code at the top of the form
Step 7. Choose how you want to receive the verification code
Once you've added your phone number, you'll need to verify it by entering the 6-digit Apple verification code.
Select Text Message or Phone Call. In any case, you will receive an identical verification code
Step 8. Tap Submit in the upper right corner to verify your phone number and receive a 6-digit verification code
Step 9. Enter the verification code
This will verify the new phone number and add it to the trusted numbers list in your Apple ID account.
When the new number is confirmed, you will be returned to the Password & Security page
Method 2 of 4: Delete the old number
Step 1. Tap Edit next to the Trusted Phone Numbers heading
When you add a new number, the old one can be removed from the list of trusted phone numbers.
Step 2. Tap the icon
next to the number you want to delete.
This will permanently remove the selected number from your account.
Step 3. Tap the red Delete button next to the phone number
It will appear on the right side when you click
Confirm your actions in a new pop-up window
Step 4. Tap Delete on the pop-up window
This will remove the selected number from your account and from the list of trusted phone numbers.
Method 3 of 4: Retrieving a Confirmation Code Manually Sent to the Device
Step 1. Open the Settings app
Tap the two silver gears icon to open the Settings menu.
Step 2. Tap your name at the top of the settings menu, next to the profile picture you have chosen for your account
This will display the Apple ID menu.
Step 3. Tap Password & Security
It's the second option at the top of the Apple ID menu. The Password & Security menu appears.
Step 4. Tap Get Verification Code
This is the last option in the Password & Security menu. A six-digit confirmation code will be displayed. Use this code to sign in to a new device or service with your Apple ID.
Method 4 of 4: Recovering your account
Step 1. Go to https://appleid.apple.com in your browser
Use any web browser on Windows or Mac.
Step 2. Sign in with your Apple ID
Enter the email address and password associated with your Apple ID to sign in to your account. Click on the arrow to the right of your email address and password to continue.
If you've forgotten your Apple ID or password, click on "Forgot Apple ID or Password?" under the login box. Enter your email address and reset your password, or click Find It to try to find your Apple ID
Step 3. Click on Didn't receive the code ?
If you don't have access to a trusted device, click on “Didn't receive a code?” To display more options.
Step 4. Click on Advanced Options to display options for account recovery
It's the option under the "i" icon.
Step 5. Enter your trusted phone number and click Continue
The last two digits of the trusted phone number will appear above the line for entering your phone number. Enter the phone number in the line and click "Continue".
Step 6. Click Continue under the "No access to any device" line
If you do not have access to a trusted device or any other device, click Continue under the option below.
If you have access to your iOS device, use the methods in Method 1 to add a new trusted number to your device. If your device cannot receive a verification code, follow the steps in Method 3 to receive a verification code on your device
Step 7. Click Continue
On the next page, you will be told that you will have to wait to update your phone number without access to devices. If you want to continue, click Continue Anyway.
Step 8. Verify your credit card with your Apple ID
The last four digits of your credit card are listed at the top of the page. Enter the full card number, expiration date, and security code in the fields provided.
If you do not have access to the card, click “No access to this card”
Step 9. Enter the phone number where you can be contacted
Select the country you live in using the drop-down menu at the top and then enter your phone number in the appropriate field.
Step 10. Select "Text Message" or "Phone Call" and click Continue
Further instructions will be sent to the specified phone number. Follow the instructions to recover your account. The recovery process can take several days.